“Not all doors open in the same direction and with the same effort!”
―
https://meanderingpassage.com//wp-content/uploads/images/2023/07/ebm-20140628150249.jpg
I enjoy experimenting with photography and my efforts at creative manipulation of photos. I’ve found the process and often resulting abstract images to be a thoughtful tool for promoting mindfulness. Focusing on details while retaining a vision of a much larger whole helps me slow down and become more present ‘in the moment.’ It also encourages me in my daily activities to view everyday objects and the world in new and unexpected ways, which can sometimes be an antidote to moments of daily stress and anxiety.
Beyond basic journalistic photography, these ventures have also given me an appreciation for my vision and have slowly deepened my connection. I harbor no illusions of natural artistic talent, and while it is still “early days” in my exploration, I see it as a transformative experience.
The image above was conceived from a few photos I made from a moving car window of a distant colorful town in rural Spain in 2014. The natural motion blur from the moving car in a couple of the photos and the bright town colors inspired this sweeping image, “Town in Motion.” Below, I’ve included one clear shot of the town so you can visualize the origins of the abstract.
https://meanderingpassage.com//wp-content/uploads/images/2023/07/ebm-20140628150249-2-800×533.jpg
I vote a big yes on this abstract image. It causes me to wonder how you are creating these images. I’ve seen some of your other work in this area and I really like it. When I saw the image on my phone in your email notification, I went straight to my laptop because I wanted to see the bigger image. Even as a viewer it does promote mindfulness. I appreciate you sharing how this new artistic path is changing the way you “view everyday objects and the world in new and unexpected ways.” Powerfully written! From what you have already shared with us I encourage you to move forward with this transformative experience. Show us Moore!
Thank you, Monte. Creating this image was relatively easy, but I appreciate how it captures a sense of motion and the tones used. I combined a few motion-blurred photos from the camera and then used Photoshop to enhance the blur effect. I have some more unconventional pieces but haven’t dared to share them yet. ~grin~ I don’t expect anything ‘earth-shaking’ to come of it, perhaps only subtle changes in my perception. Have a good weekend, my friend!
Very fine result of your efforts, Earl! Yes, we all need to explore paths that lead us a bit away from pure depiction aka. “look what I saw” towards “look what I felt”. If an image can evoke a mood, as Monte stated for this one, then it is certainly powerful.
Markus, I appreciate your statement about the difference between “Look what I saw” and “Look what I felt.” What we feel is individual and reminds me there are various ways to achieve those depictions, like different doors to open. Thank you for sharing your thoughts – I always enjoy hearing them.
I like the way the highlight / shadow areas offer “stability” in the motion abstract!
Humm, good observations, Mark. Now that I think about it, perhaps they provide a sort of perceptional horizon as that element of stability. I’ll be thinking about that concept in my future efforts…thank’s for sharing.
I’ve always thought intentional movement type images work a little better if there are such things to attract focus, otherwise there is a chance someone either feels “dizzy” or their eyes just flow right off the frame with the movement and it loses power.